Development News for Lebanon, Oregon

School District Grapples with Budget Adjustments, Enrollment Declines, and Grant Setbacks

The school district discussed adjustments to the athletic budget, including a proposal to reduce a coaching position to save $30,000, which would maintain equity between dance and cheer programs and avoid raising student fees. Additionally, there was a discussion about the athletic trainer position, which requires posting as a certified role. If not filled by a qualified applicant, the district would need to contract services, potentially costing $70,000 more than the current budget, necessitating a $100,000 increase in the general fund transfer to athletics. This would likely involve reducing staff at the high school level. The board also reviewed enrollment trends and projected potential deficits ranging from $0.5 million to $5 million over the next few years, emphasizing the need for current measures to ensure future sustainability. The district confirmed current bus lease agreements for four buses with remaining payments and addressed the removal of a $378,000 summer school learning grant from the proposed budget, as it was not awarded. A new fund (277) was established for a $2.49 million seven oak seismic grant. Unemployment insurance budget was doubled from $125,000 to $250,000 in anticipation of potential layoffs.